The three-page dispatch signed by the traditional heads of the 17 chiefdoms that make up Lebialem Division said the kidnappings were carried out by armed men led by self-proclaimed “General Ayeke” of the Alou Guerrilla Fighters. The group is one of many others fighting in the North West and South West Regions of the central African country.

“In the early hours of Monday 13 July 2020 when the peace-loving people of Fossimondi Village in Lebialem Division were going out for their usual daily duties, some people of Lebialem who have vowed to defy all peaceful offers and fatherly advice in the name of Amba Boys of the so-called general Ayeke brutally kidnapped 63 young boys and girls into the forest for reasons beyond our understanding,” the custodians of tradition said. “We have learnt that Pastor Chris Anu, Tapang Ivo, Akwanga Ebenezer, and associates are the brains behind these sinful atrocities disconcerting social life in Lebialem Division for about four years now.”

The Fons say they are dismayed that the names of some of their colleagues and their chiefdoms are on the villain discussion table.

“To hell with atrocities and to Lebialem with peace, if that is what you have in stalk,” they thundered!

Traditional Rulers of Lebialem say it has come to their notice that “Pastor Christopher Anu and associates are falsely claiming that one of our top elite, Minister Paul Tasong could be sponsoring the atrocities in Lebialem Division in the same light as similar claims were made on the names of other prominent elites last year.”

They, therefore “vehemently condemn these barbaric acts perpetrated on our children and the fear entrenched in the psychic of our populations.”

In what appears to be a riot act, the 17 traditional rulers wrote: “We further call on Christopher Anu, his associates and their fighters on the ground to mind the interest of the population of Lebialem Division in all they do in the name of a revolution because the traditional rulers, elites and population of Lebialem Division are totally against everything they have been doing.

“We stand for dialogue, peace, and the sustainable development of our division.” That the Fons of Lebialem Division and their populations have confidence in their top elite who will never stoop so low to support and finance any terrorist acts.

“We use this opportunity to send a clear message to civil society organizations, national institutions, and international organizations that the burnings, looting, kidnappings, and killings being ordered by Christopher Anu and associates in Lebialem Division for the past over three years do not give them the legitimacy required to represent the interest of Lebialem people in any national or international forum.

“Most if not all Fon’s Palaces in Lebialem Division have been violated and looted of its artifacts, antiquities, archives and other precious goods stolen and sold by these individuals who are now enjoying the luxury of huge bank accounts at the detriment of the peace-loving people of Lebialem Division.

“That for spreading deadly arms all over Lebialem Division and chasing out Traditional Rulers from their Palaces at gunpoint is sacrilege and we strongly condemn it.

“That those sons and daughters of Lebialem Division in the diaspora who are still nursing hopes of secession should take the advice of the Fons today and meet up with the ongoing peace process which started in Cameroon since 2017 and most remarkably from the holding of the Major National Dialogue before it becomes too late for them.

“That we have consulted our ancestors and the gods of Lebialem on the recent kidnappings and call upon these warlords and their fighters to drop their arms willingly rather than choose to be exposed to the wrath of the gods which comes unnoticed.

“We enjoin those still hesitating to take our advice to do so for the love of lasting peace in Lebialem Division and send our comforting message to the afflicted families. God bless peacemakers and those who stand for peace.”